“The intercepted goods also include 1,000 sachets of Tramadol capsules, 600 cartons of codeine syrup and 12 parcels of Indian hemp.

“Others are 157 bags of used clothing, 180 kegs of 25 litres of vegetable oil, 265 pieces of used tyres, 24 pieces of compressors, 43 sacks of used shoes, 280 pieces of machetes and 62 cartons of tomato paste.

The controller said that no suspect was arrested in connection with the 254 seizures recorded between Feb. 6 and April 16.

He advised intending car buyers to verify the authenticity of the import and clearance documents with the appropriate Customs Area Controllers ( CACs ) at various ports in the country, saying that buyers should avoid buying smuggled vehicles.

The FOU Zone ‘A’ boss said: “Nigerian rice is abundant for consumption and that is why I am appealing to us to patronise our Made-in-Nigeria rice because is healthy for consumption.

“Imagine thousands of 50kg parboiled foreign rice was intercepted inside a cement silo truck and after smuggling it, they will re-bag them for human consumption.

“I am also using this medium to appeal to those whose vehicle were intercepted to come and claim them if they have genuine documents to back them.’’

Mohammed, however, commended the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, and his management team for providing the unit with necessary incentives and logistics.

He also called on the public, including the media, to join the service in the fight against smuggling, considering its economic consequences to the nation and the society at large.